Will Home Insurance Cover Burst Pipes from Freezing?

As freezing temperatures are expected to move across the state, Ralph Hudgens, Georgia Commissioner of Insurance, wants to remind people that houses damaged from high cold temperatures may seek financial relief using their homeowners insurance policy.

What Will a Policy Pay For?
A typical homeowners policy pays for damage caused by freezing. They might also pay for damage to carpets, possessions and furniture; however, damage that enters through an outside source such as a main water line might not be covered. Damage that comes from outside sources has sometimes been called seepage or flood, which standard homeowners insurance will not cover. Repairs to pipes on the property may not be covered if they were done outside.

Caution in the Cold Weather
When it comes to homeowner's insurance claims, water damage is one of the most commonly misunderstood claims, according to Insure.com. Insurance usually covers burst pipes. However, if the insurer decides that poor drainage caused the issue, a claim could be denied because this is a maintenance issue that is not covered. 

How to Be Covered?
Most home insurance companies cover the damage of a burst pipe provided the homeowner can prove they took precautions to keep the pipe from freezing. Many companies will say that coverage applies if the individual shut off the water supply and drained their system. In addition, they need to have maintained the heating in their home, even when the house was unoccupied. 

Insulating pipes reduces the chances of a frozen pipe system. When ice expands, combined with weakened pipes, the high pressure of flowing water can burst a pipe within seconds of operating a faucet. Keeping the water running during cold weather decreases the chances of burst pipes. Additionally, notifying the utility company that the water was left running to avoid bursting pipes may lead to a reduction of the water bill during the cold weather. However, always check ahead of time.


Call Pachuta Insurance Today @ 706-769-2262
Sources:
SfGate.com
WJBF News Channel 6